**Defense Verdict Alert**

Gallardo v. Ponce Ground Services, LLC, et al., San Bernardino Superior Court, Case No. CIVSB2306815

Date of Verdict:  April 2, 2026

Demand:             $ 2,700,000
Result:                  Complete Defense Verdict

Wrongful death motorcycle versus tractor-trailer collision.

Facts and Background:  The accident occurred on April 25, 2021, at the intersection of E. Orange Show Road and N Washington Avenue in San Bernardino, California.  Plaintiffs allege the defendant driving a tractor-trailer westbound on Orange Show Road started a left turn onto southbound Washington Avenue, resulting in the collision with the motorcyclist.  At the time of the collision, the defendant was hauling an empty trailer during the course of his work as a truck driver.   

Plaintiff’s Contentions:  Plaintiff, the son of the motorcyclist, brought the wrongful death action.  Plaintiff admitted the motorcyclist was partially at fault, however, alleged that the truck driver was negligent in causing the collision. Plaintiff also contended that the truck driver’s employer and trailer owner were responsible for the actions of the truck driver. 

Defendant’s Contentions:  The motorcyclist was unlicensed, uninsured, intoxicated, speeding at nearly 100 mph, above the speed limit of 50 mph, and wearing a decorative helmet not approved by the Department of Transportation for safety against head impacts – crashed into the rear wheels of the trailer while the tractor-trailer was making a left turn. The investigating police officer did not attribute any fault to the truck driver. Rather, the San Bernardino Police Department performed an in-depth investigation and concluded that the motorcyclist was at fault for causing the subject accident because he was driving too fast in violation of California Vehicle Code section 23350.

This time 4 weeks ago, Plaintiff made a demand for $2.7M. After closing, the demand dropped to six figures.  A few hours later, a very good trial result! 

Partner Brian Buddell and Demler Armstrong are happy we could deliver for our client.  They needed a tough defense firm to try this case, and we gladly obliged.